Strategies

The Vernon ROCKS Coalition uses data-driven model created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), to determine the strategies and activities that we will implement in Vernon. Our current cycle of the SPF process resulted in the evidence-based strategies of raising AWARENESS, providing EDUCATION, ENFORCEMENT strategies, and providing youth with HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES. These strategies focus on population-level change to create an environment that helps our community support healthy decision-making.

Vernon ROCKS members work together to prevent alcohol and prescription drug use among Vernon youth by reducing social access to alcohol and prescription drugs and encouraging families to set clear rules and expectations for their children around substance use.

To learn more about our strategies, check out our video below!

Unfortunately, sexual minorities often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges like violence and harassment, not experienced by those who identify as heterosexual. These challenges mixed with other stressors lead sexual minorities to be at an increased risk for substance use. According to SAMHSA, substance use disorders affect 20 to 30% of the LGBTQIA+ population, compared to 8.4% of the general population. People who identify as gay and lesbian are more than twice as likely as those who identify as heterosexual to have a severe alcohol or tobacco use disorder. That number raises to three times as likely for people who identify as bisexual, and five times as likely for people who are unsure how to identify their sexuality (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2017). The Vernon ROCKS Coalition wants everyone to know there are supportive people, and resources to help and you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Visit our website for more information. www.vernonrocksct.org/pride-month/... See MoreSee Less